Lumen Announces AI Networking, Quantum Research and PQC Plans

Insider Brief

• Lumen Technologies announced three initiatives focused on energy-aware AI networking with Emerald AI, research into quantum connectivity with The Ohio State University, and post-quantum security capabilities through its Fortinet-based SASE solution.
• Lumen and Emerald AI are exploring a pilot to route AI inference workloads to locations based on power availability, cost, latency, security and network performance.
• Lumen is funding research into long-distance quantum networking and distributed sensing, while planning to add Fortinet post-quantum cryptography capabilities to its SASE offering, with initial availability targeted for November 2026 and general availability for January 2027.

PRESS RELEASE — Lumen Technologies (Nasdaq: LUMN) today announced three new initiatives using intelligent networking to address AI energy challenges, future quantum connectivity, and emerging security threats. As enterprises’ AI and quantum ambition begin to outgrow traditional networks, Lumen is turning its network into an active platform for innovation—combining fiber connectivity scale, programmable control, software intelligence, and a connected ecosystem of partners to help enable the next generation of computing.